Redefine Kan-Dapaah, Bryan Acheampong’s roles – Short Commission recommends

The Justice Emile Short Commission has recommended the evaluation and reorganisation of the National Security Ministry.

In its report, a copy of which is exclusively available to Joy News, it stresses the need for clarity on the responsibilities, roles as well as reporting lines for persons appointed to serve in the Ministry.

“The Commission recommends that the President (Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo) should review and restructure the Ministry of National Security with a view to ensuring clarity of responsibilities and roles as well as lines of reporting.”

The Commission was established on February 8 this year by President Akufo-Addo to make a full inquiry into the circumstances of and establish the facts leading to the events of the associated violence during the by-election held on January 31.

At least 16 persons were injured after mask-wearing men laid siege at the residence of the NDC parliamentary candidate believing it housed a stockpile of arms.

The National Security Operatives later told the Commission during its hearing that they took that action based on intelligence they had gathered.

Among the many recommendations it has made, the Commission proposes the establishment of a standing command and control centre, inta alia, with the role of assessing and processing intelligence for rapid deployment.

“This centre will incorporate key officers of allied internal security agencies, including the police, military security, fire service, customs, etc.”

The Commission which was unimpressed by the manner in which the said National Security Operatives conducted themselves suspects a clash of roles between the National Security Minister, Abert Kan-Dapaah and Minister of State in Charge of National Security at the Presidency, Bryan Acheampong.

It advocates in its report for the role of the Minister of State in Charge of National Security at the Presidency to be clearly delineated with responsibilities indexed to that of the substantive sector Minister.

“This should establish a clear chain of command and the circumstances under which he or she can act in the absence of the substantive Minister.”

The report also recommends, as a matter of urgency, for the police and National Security establishment to develop protocols for the assessment and rating of intelligence received; and substantive deployment of missions, if any.